Rockford's On the Waterfront changes admission procedures

Basic fact box about changes for annual Labor Day music and food event/side bar to Buttons story

For the first time in 24 years, you won’t be buying an admission button to get into On the Waterfront, the downtown Rockford music festival featuring more than 100 performers Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

Instead, you’ll buy a single admission ticket for all three days, with perforated tabs to be torn off by ticket-takers each day at the gate.

The price is $12 for all three days, free for 8 and younger — the same as last year. But you’ll pay $15 a day at the gate, up $1, if you don’t buy in advance. Tickets go on sale noon Friday, Aug. 3, at more than 150 outlets at area banks, grocers and other venues.

At the festival, you’ll present an entire ticket and be given a different wristband for admission each day. If you want to drink liquor, you’ll show identification to prove you’re 21 or older, and you’ll get a different-colored wristband.